These Baked Chocolate Doughnuts are made with orange and coconut making them rich and full of flavour. Get the recipe below.
The healing power of chocolate
These baked doughnuts are quite possibly the answer to all of your problems. Broken heart? Grab a doughnut. Fallen out with a friend? Help yourself to a doughnut. Difficult week at work? Time for a doughnut. Just generally feeling a bit down? Get yourself in the kitchen and bake a batch of these doughnuts!
I don't know why chocolate makes everything better but I don't think anyone can deny that it does. Since time immemorial a call from a friend saying that she has split up with her boyfriend means you get to your nearest shop, buy a couple of family size bars of Galaxy chocolate, a tub or two of Ben and Jerry's (chocolate chip cookie dough flavour obviously) and you valiantly run to her side, chocolate goodies in hand. Dark chocolate is also linked to a healthy heart. That's right these doughnuts are not only good for your mental health but for your physical health too.....OK maybe I'm pushing it now...
I do know one thing though. After spending some time in the kitchen baking and photographing my latest batch of these delicious Chocolate Orange and Coconut Baked Doughnuts my head felt a lot clearer and my heart felt a lot happier.
Chocolate, Orange and Coconut
Now lets talk about the doughnuts themselves. In this recipe they are of course baked instead of fried. Whilst I love making fresh, fried doughnuts (check out my vanilla bean custard doughnuts here) I think that some flavours actually work best in a baked doughnut - orange and coconut being two of them. Fried doughnuts are very rich and decadent. The grease from the frying requires really big, punchy fillings that can stand up to the fried dough. Because the dough of a baked doughnut is that much lighter it can take more gentle, aromatic flavours.
The batter for this doughnut is not only full of rich, dark chocolate from the cocoa powder, but is also flavoured with the tropical scent of coconut coming from the coconut oil and yogurt which make up some of the wet ingredients. Fresh, citrus orange zest is also stirred throughout the batter. As they bake you can really smell the coconut coming through. It works perfectly in harmony with the deep, bitter, dark chocolate, the orange cutting through the richness to finish on a lighter note.
The ganache on top of the doughnut is the perfect contrast in texture. The baked doughnuts are soft, springy and spongy. The velvety ganache wraps around the crumbs of the doughnut and helps them slip down very easily. (Though that may also be thanks to the orange liqueur I spike the ganache with!)
The recipe
Have I done enough convincing you yet? Or perhaps all of the photos have done the hard work? Follow the instructions below and you'll be tucking into a tasty Chocolate Orange and Coconut Doughnut in no time!
Baked Chocolate Orange and Coconut Doughnuts
Equipment
- Doughnut pan
Ingredients
- 250 g plain flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 150 g caster sugar
- 75 g coconut oil melted
- 125 ml milk
- 100 grams coconut yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1 orange zest only
- 75 ml cream
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml orange liqueur optional
- 2 tablespoon desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 170C and lightly grease your doughnut tins with a little vegetable oil.
- Sieve the flour, baking powder and cocoa powder into a large bowl along with the golden caster sugar.
- Add the melted coconut oil, milk, yogurt and stir until the wet ingredients and dry ingredients begin to combine.
- Beat the eggs and add to the mix along with most of the orange zest (keep some to one side for decorating the doughnuts later).
- Mix well until the batter is smooth.
- Spoon the mixture into your doughnut tins or spoon the mixture into piping bags before piping directly into the tins (this will help you avoid making a mess!)
- Each doughnut ring should be roughly ¾ full.
- Bake in the centre of the oven for 15-18 minutes until springy to the touch.
- Place on a cooling rack and allow to cool.
- Once the doughnuts are completely cool, heat the cream in a heavy bottomed pan.
- As the cream begins to simmer take off of the heat and add the chocolate (chopped).
- Stir until the chocolate has melted in the cream completely.(If you're feeling a little fancy add the orange liqueur at this stage!)
- Keep stirring whilst the ganache cools to a thick, glossy consistency.
- Carefully spoon the ganache over the doughnuts.
- Sprinkle with the desiccated coconut and the remaining orange zest.
Nutrition
More doughnut recipes
Which do you prefer? Baked doughnuts or fried?
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
These are just stunning. I have tried baked doughnuts before, but with not much luck, so I will give your way a try. Chocolate and orange is such a good combo.
Emma Walton says
Thanks Dannii 😀 Sorry to hear you've not had a lot of luck with baked doughnuts before. What was the issue exactly? Perhaps I can help 🙂
Janice says
I remember when you posted these on Instagram, oh my goodness they look so good! Beautiful photographs and such a great recipe.
Emma Walton says
Thanks Janice 🙂 it has taken me a little longer to get on the blog than I would have liked, but better late than never 😀
Kerry @ Kerry Cooks says
Oh Emma these are just unbelievable! I especially love the last photo, your photography skills have come on SO much (which sounds terrible!).
I hope you're okay otherwise xx
Emma Walton says
Haha not at all, I take that as a compliment lol 😛 I do love looking back at some of my old photos. Did you see the Mocha Cake before and after photos? Hilarious! I'm very well thanks 🙂 hope you are too xx
Kellie@foodtoglow says
I haven't made baked donuts in awhile but I am always glad when I do (the little dinky ones that don't feel like many calories - ha ha!). Your recipe with its liqueur and cream sounds especially indulgent . In a good way!
Emma Walton says
Haha I am SO greedy Kellie. I have a silicone tin to make the teeny tiny ones too but I always find a reason to make the big ones instead 😉 I admire your self-control!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
These look decadent and delicious. I know my boys would love these special treats for breakfast or anytime. I like the orange addition to the chocolate. And the coconut is the icing on the cake.
Emma Walton says
Hi Ali. Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you like them. If you do make them for the kids I'd love to see so make sure you do tweet or tag me on Instagram / Facebook 😀
Sarah says
How did you know that chocolate makes me absolutely weak in the knees and that coconut is my absolutely favorite flavor in life. These sound like a perfect way to satisfy my sweet tooth! XO
Emma Walton says
Hi Sarah ! It sounds like these were made for you 😀 If only I could pop one in the post!
Raia says
You're definitely right, chocolate can heal just about anything. 😉 These donuts sound uh-mazing! I love the combo of chocolate and orange! 🙂
Emma Walton says
Thanks Raia. Glad you like them 😀
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon says
If chocolate isn't good for what ails you, I don't want to know what is! These doughnuts look so good and I love the flavor combo. I wish I had a batch on hand right now.
Emma Walton says
I'm glad you agree Anne Marie 😀 if I could post you one I would 😛
Marilyn says
I love the combination of chocolate, orange and coconut together!! Looks delicious!!
Emma Walton says
Thanks Marilyn. Chocolate and orange is obviously a classic combo but the coconut was a little added extra 😀
safira says
These look so good and who doesn't love chocolate orange?!
Emma Walton says
Thanks Safira 😀 it really is a winning combo!
Aish says
First of all, your donuts look like they are straight from bakery. They are gorgeous. I always wanted to make donuts at home, but never really dared. I read your post and I think, I should give it a go.
Emma Walton says
Thanks Aish what a massive compliment! Your comment really does mean a lot 🙂 to make baked doughnuts all you need is a pan and a recipe. Now you've got the recipe perhaps it's about time you invested in a pan 😉
Christine | Vermilion Roots says
I'm not a fan of fried stuff and I think I will really love these doughnuts! 🙂
Emma Walton says
Hi Christine! Definitely a recipe for you then. If you do make them be sure to tweet me a pic! (@KitchenGoddess3)
Jess says
If I made a giant donut cake would the specific ingredients and quantities be enough for a cake mould of this size Volume 520g or size 22cm by 10cm??
Emma Walton says
Hi Jess. I am afraid I have absolutely no idea. Do you know what the volume is of your cake tin? Does it come with a recipe with simillar measurements? How many eggs does it use etc. That might give you a clue! You'd also need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the temperature. Sorry I can't be of more help.